The Start, Scale & Succeed Podcast

Hosted by Scott Ritzheimer

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300

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Scale Architects, founder, CEO and Secrets of The High Demand Coach podcast host Scott Ritzheimer has helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and launched and sold his own multimillion-dollar business after leading it through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35. He realized the biggest secret to success is that there is not one secret to success. There are key strategies, tactics, skills, and mindsets needed at each stage of the journey AND they are different in each stage. He launched the Start, Scale & Succeed podcast to help you know what you need to do RIGHT NOW to create the success you want. If you're a founder, entrepreneur, owner, or CEO or even if you'd like to be. You'll find episodes guiding you to success in all seven stages of your journey from pre-launch to post-exit.

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60 recent

September 8, 202617 min

Why You Should Ignore Most of Your Business Books with Scott Ritzheimer (stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7) - Ep. 428

In this liberating episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why most business books overwhelm founders and how to stop applying the wrong advice at the wrong time. If you feel buried in “shoulds,” frustrated when strategies fail, or unsure which books actually apply to you right now, you won’t want to miss it. You will discover: - Why business books written for one stage create confusion when read by founders in every stage - How to identify the level a book was written for and match it to where you are today - What to do when the first chapters are strong but the rest is just filler This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz Scott Ritzheimer is the founder of Scale Architects and a leading expert on organizational life cycle and founder leadership. He has helped launch nearly twenty thousand businesses and nonprofits and, before turning thirty-five, built and sold his own multimillion-dollar company after a decade of double-digit growth. Today he helps founders and CEOs who have people to lead but are still buried in the daily grind, giving them a clear next step instead of a theory. He is host of the Start Scale Succeed podcast and author of The Founder's Game. Want to learn more about Scott Ritzheimer's work at Scale Architects? Check out his website at https://www.scalearchitects.com/ Connect with Scott through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottritzheimer/ Pre-order a copy of Scott Ritzheimer's book "The Founder’s Game" at https://www.scottritzheimer.com/book/pre-order Check out Episode 43 "How to Scale You as a Founder with Rachel Turner" at https://www.scalearchitects.com/podcast/43-how-to-scale-you-as-a-founder-with-rachel-turner/

September 8, 202619 min

The Solopreneur Scaling Without A Team with Silvio Porcellana (stage 2) - Ep. 427

In this clarifying episode, Silvio Porcellana, Founder of SilvioPorcellana.com, shares how to escape the solopreneur trap of hiring your way out of overwhelm and instead build systems that protect your capacity. If you’re drowning in tasks, frustrated by people, and doing less of the work you love, you won’t want to miss it. You will discover: - Why thinking in systems instead of constantly putting out fires is the real path forward - How to treat yourself as a resource and build systems around your actual strengths - What to prioritize so the system grows while you keep doing the work you enjoy This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz Silvio Porcellana is an Italian developer, marketer, and digital product builder focused on creating scalable SaaS systems and venture-backed online businesses. He partners with entrepreneurs to launch and grow digital ventures through reusable infrastructure, automation, and lean execution strategies. His work combines software, product strategy, marketing, and entrepreneurship to help founders move faster and build sustainable online businesses. Want to learn more about Silvio Porcellana's work at SilvioPorcellana.comY? Check out his website at https://silvioporcellana.com/ Connect with Silvio through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/silvioporcellana/

September 1, 202615 min

Why Your Managers Stopped Managing with Mike Krupit (stage 4) - Ep. 426

In this candid episode, Mike Krupit, Founder and CEO of Trajectify, shares why successful teams suddenly “get dumb” during growth and what you must change to scale past it. If you’re hitting plateaus where results stall and early leaders no longer fit, you won’t want to miss it. You will discover: - Why growth itself forces people, processes, and expectations to evolve or the team stalls - How to spot the markers that you’ve outgrown current roles and need new leadership capacity - What it takes to have difficult conversations and stop rescuing instead of coaching your team. This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 4 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz Mike Krupit is the founder and CEO of Trajectify, where he helps growth-stage technology, manufacturing, and professional services companies bridge the gap between early success and scalable leadership. With more than 30 years of experience as a CTO, COO, and CEO, Mike has led organizations through rapid growth, IPOs, M&As, and even bankruptcies—giving him rare, real-world insight into what actually works when the stakes are high. Known for his practical, candid approach, he helps founders and CEOs build courage, align their organizations, and unlock momentum from the inside out. Want to learn more about Mike Krupit's work at Trajectify? Check out his website at https://www.trajectify.com/ Connect with Mike through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkrupit/ Check out his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKrupit

September 1, 202616 min

Start Your Founders GANG with Dennis McCurdy (stage 2) - Ep. 425

In this empowering episode, Dennis McCurdy, Principal Owner of McCurdy & Andrew Investments, shares why going it alone as a solopreneur leads to the Valley of Dead Dreams and how accountability changes everything. If you’re grinding alone and watching your best ideas collect dust, you won’t want to miss it. You will discover: - Why you need a selective “gang” that will tell you the truth and push you forward - How to choose accountability partners who show up and call you on your stuff - What makes peer accountability more powerful than family or friends for growth This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz Dennis McCurdy transformed his life from graduating near the bottom of his high school class and sleeping on an office couch to achieving a seven-figure net worth. Following his military service, he built eight businesses, managed 29 properties, authored four books, and led mastermind groups for over a decade. He teaches that mindset, accountability, and strong relationships drive true achievement. He is the author of the book Unleash the Power of Connection. He actively runs personal development workshops to help others reframe their failures into fuel for growth. He consistently proves that strong network connections and daily discipline directly accelerate personal transformation. Want to learn more about Dennis McCurdy's work at McCurdy & Andrew Investments? Check out his website at https://www.mccurdyinvestments.com/ Connect with Dennis through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-mccurdy-cfp-465a1bb/ Check out Dennis McCurdy's personal website at https://dennismccurdy.com/ Get a copy of Dennis McCurdy's book Unleash the Power of Connection at https://www.amazon.com/Unleash-Power-Connection-accountability-procrastinating/dp/097988635X

August 25, 202619 min

How to Win the Race When You're Not the One Driving with Eric Wiklendt (stage 6) - Ep. 424

In this clarifying episode, Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director of Speyside Equity, shares how to succeed as an investor when someone else is driving and you can no longer grab the wheel. If you’re moving into true ownership or private equity and struggle to let go of hands-on control, you won’t want to miss it. You will discover: - Why managing through people, processes, and systems is the essential skill at Level 6 - How to use scorecards and exception-based reviews so you lead without micromanaging - What makes strong investors accept 80-90% results and focus on removing impediments This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 6 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz Eric Wiklendt is a Managing Director at Speyside Equity, where he is responsible for sourcing, executing, managing, and exiting investments. Before joining Speyside Equity, Eric was President & CEO of Kelix Heat Transfer Systems. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at Eaton and Hilti Corporation, where he oversaw M&A activities, established a manufacturing plant in Mexico, managed a large marketing team, and directed industrial sales operations. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Eric obtained his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Want to learn more about Eric Wiklendt's work at Speyside Equity? Check out his website at https://speysideequity.com/ Connect with Eric through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericwiklendt/

August 25, 202617 min

Most Founders Write The Wrong Book with Ally Machate (stage 2) - Ep. 423

In this strategic episode, Ally Machate, Founder and CEO of The Writer's Ally, shares how to write the right book that actually grows your business instead of one that just looks good. If you’re a stage 2 founder considering a book but unsure what it should achieve or who it’s for, you won’t want to miss it. You will discover: - Why clarifying your book’s business goal is more important than writing a “good” book - How to reverse-engineer the right book from your desired outcome and ideal reader - What turns a book into a marketable tool rather than a Field of Dreams project This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 2 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz Ally Machate is a publishing strategist, author services expert, and founder of The Writer’s Ally. A former Simon & Schuster editor with 25+ years in the industry, she helps authors write, publish, and sell high-quality books that fuel business growth, attract ideal clients, and boost authority. Known for her honest, strategic approach, Ally helps authors cut through the noise, avoid costly mistakes, and turn their books into real engines of visibility and results. Want to learn more about Ally Machate's work at The Writer's Ally? Check out her website at https://www.thewritersally.com/ Connect with Ally through her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysonemachate

August 18, 202617 min

The Founder’s Legacy with Scott Ritzheimer (stages 1, 7) - Ep. 422

In this myth-busting episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares why legacy is not reserved only for Level 7 and how you can start building one right where you are. If you believe lasting impact must wait until the end of the journey or feel stuck without a clear path to purpose, you won’t want to miss it You will discover: - Why most founders are not called to Level 7 and can leave a powerful legacy sooner - How to move from dissatisfied employee to purposeful employee and find meaning in the margins - What unique capital Level 7 founders accumulate that unlocks a different scale of impact This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,, of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz Scott helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and with his business partner started led their multimillion-dollar business through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35. He founded Scale Architects to help founders and CEOs identify and implement the one essential strategy they need right now to get them on the fast track to Predictable Success. Want to learn more about Scott Ritzheimer's work at Scale Architects? Check out his website at https://www.scalearchitects.com/ Connect with Scott through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottritzheimer/ Pre-order a copy of Scott Ritzheimer's book The Founder’s Game at https://www.scottritzheimer.com/book/pre-order

August 18, 202613 min

New Book: The Founder’s Game with Scott Ritzheimer (stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7) - Ep. 421

In this exciting episode, Scott Ritzheimer, Founder of Scale Architects, shares the release of his new book "The Founder’s Game". If you’re overwhelmed by endless advice, unsure which level is right for you, or working far more hours than necessary, you won’t want to miss it. You will discover: - Why there are seven possible right levels and how to choose the one that fits your vision - How the three-part structure gives you both clarity on where you are and a playbook for where you want to go. - What pre-ordering unlocks, including a free Level 7 course and the first chapter right away This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stages 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz Scott Ritzheimer helped start nearly 20,000 new businesses and nonprofits and with his business partner started led their multimillion-dollar business through an exceptional and extended growth phase (over 10 years of double-digit growth) all before he turned 35. He founded Scale Architects to help founders and CEOs identify and implement the one essential strategy they need right now to get them on the fast track to Predictable Success. Want to learn more about Scott Ritzheimer's work at Scale Architects? Check out his website at https://www.scalearchitects.com/ Connect with Scott through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottritzheimer/ Pre-order a copy of Scott Ritzheimer's book The Founder’s Game and How It Helps you Navigate every Stage of the Founder Journey at https://www.scottritzheimer.com/book/pre-order

August 11, 202619 min

Your Achievements Are Hiding The Real Problem with Esther Zeledon (stage 1) - Ep. 420

In this revealing episode, Esther Zeledon, President of Be.Act.Change, shares how success itself can keep you stuck as a dissatisfied employee and how to break free into purpose. If you're in a great job that still feels like the wrong life and wonder whether to stay or start something of your own, you won't want to miss it. You will discover: - Why inheriting dreams from others leads to misalignment and eventual regret - How to uncover your unique problem-solving patterns before launching anything - What it takes to move from dissatisfaction to purposeful action with clarity This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 1 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz Dr. Esther Zeledón is an award-winning author, global speaker, and coach who guides founders and changemakers to clarify their vision, create actionable plans, and persevere. A former diplomat with a PhD from UC Berkeley, Esther has worked across more than 100 countries, supporting leaders, entrepreneurs, and communities in unlocking their purpose and creating meaningful impact. She is the author of the Amazon #1 bestselling book Creating Your Limitless Life (on Your Terms), which has won multiple awards and helped thousands of people align their work and life with their deeper mission. Want to learn more about Esther Zeledon's work at Be.Act.Change? Check out her website at https://beactchange.com/ Connect with Dr. Esther through her LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drestherzeledon/ Get a free Kindle copy of Dr. Esther Zeldon's book Creating Your Limitless Life: On Your Terms at https://script.google.com/macros/s/AKfycbxup6Gwy3bpeZY4Py9PmHpPPtLceyv2dMbp4CXnZa96w4GlQXcgQShd5T6JHdYfLWC4/exec

August 11, 202613 min

Why Smart People Build The Wrong Business with Rich Potter (stage 1) - Ep. 419

In this insightful episode, Rich Potter, Franchise Business Consultant of Franchise Heroes, shares how to transition from corporate success into structured business ownership without costly mistakes. If you're a burned-out executive considering entrepreneurship but unsure how to start or whether to buy versus build, you won't want to miss it. You will discover: - Why talking to people who have already done it is the most important first step - How franchising provides a proven game plan and support instead of starting from zero - What questions to ask existing owners during validation to uncover real risks and rewards This episode is ideal for for Founders, Owners, and CEOs in stage 1 of The Founder's Evolution. Not sure which stage you're in? Find out for free in less than 10 minutes at https://www.scalearchitects.com/founders/quiz Rich Potter is a multi-business owner and franchise consultant who helps burned-out executives and veterans transition from corporate careers into structured business ownership. After more than a decade in corporate sales, he moved into entrepreneurship and has since built, scaled, and exited multiple businesses while continuing to actively operate today. His perspective is shaped by real-world experience as both an advisor and an active owner. Rich focuses on helping people avoid costly mistakes, reduce unnecessary risk, and build businesses designed to support the life they want to live. Want to learn more about Rich Potter's work at Franchise Heroes? Check out his website at https://franchiseheroes.co/ Connect with Rich through his LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-potter-533381a/